Lion’s Head is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town, and for good reason. It is a beautiful 5.5km spiral trail that gives you a panoramic view of Camps Bay to Table Mountain and everything in between. Lion's Head is a short hike, but it is a constant climb to the top with rather steep gradients in some sections.
The hike begins just off signal hill road, it starts as a jeep track but morphs into a single track path. Lion's Head is well known for its ladders and chains.
If you aren't too eager to do some rock climbing but you still would like to experience this scenic hike, there is a slightly longer contour path that avoids the most difficult chain climbing section.
The path is very straightforward and well marked. There is usually a lot of traffic on the trail due to the hike's popularity.
Access to the hike is free for people, but permits and leads are required for dogs. I have never taken my dogs on this trail because I don't fancy carrying two fully grown Labradors up the ladder sections.
I took part in the full moon Lion's head hike once a few years ago. There was a lot of traffic on the trail, but seeing the city lights from 669m above sea level was definitely worth it. Although I wouldn't recommend doing the full moon hike at the moment because of the pandemic.
I thoroughly enjoy this hike, despite it being so busy.
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